Recycling Right!
Litter is improperly disposed of trash, and it can be prevented by properly disposing of items we no longer need. The Manchester recycling rate hovers around 20%. This means that only 20% of the recyclable items are actually getting into our recycling carts. In January of this year, all Manchester Residents who have their trash and recycling collected by the town received a Curbside Recycling Guide postcard in the mail. This postcard should answer almost all of your curbside recycling questions. What goes in and what stays out of the cart? What are common items that people put in their recycling carts but shouldn’t? Can I really put in empty juice cartons, yogurt cups, and whipped cream bottles?
In addition to bi-weekly recycling collection, each household is allowed two free curbside bulky waste pickups a year (July through June). Acceptable items include furniture, rolled rugs, mattresses, boxsprings, appliances, and covered electronics (TVs, monitors, printers). Call 860-647-3200 option 2 to schedule your pickup by 2pm the day before your collection day.
Top Tips:
- Never bag recyclables – plastic bags are not allowed in the cart. Plastic bags can be dropped off for recycling at most grocery stores in town.
- A recycle symbol doesn’t always mean it can be recycled. Look for numbers 1, 2, and 5 for your most common acceptable items.
- Recyclable doesn’t mean it can be accepted in your cart. Some items like electronics are recyclable but they don’t belong in your cart (hint - bring them to the Transfer Station).
- Before placing in the cart, make sure your containers are empty, rinsed out, and have the lids/caps on.
- Only items inside your cart will be collected. So, make sure you break down those big boxes so that they fit in the cart.
- Have extra recycling? You can bring your single-stream recyclables to the Transfer Station to drop off for free! A free Recycling Permit is required.
- Finally: when in doubt, check the “can I recycle it wizard”; still unsure? throw it out.
Learn more on our Sustainable Waste Management page:
